What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dog
Example
My dog loves to play fetch in the park. [dog: noun]
Example
She always feels safe with her dog by her side. [dog: noun]
canine
Example
The canine family includes many different species, such as wolves and foxes. [canine: noun]
Example
Canine teeth are sharp and pointed, used for biting and tearing flesh. [canine: adjective]
Example
The veterinarian diagnosed the dog with a canine respiratory infection. [canine: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dog is much more common than canine in everyday language, especially in casual conversations. Canine is more commonly used in scientific or medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dog and canine?
Canine is generally more formal than dog, which is more casual and informal. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.
